Jordan Pickford celebrates his 22nd birthday today safe in the knowledge that he has a big footballing future ahead of him.

Sunderland’s young goalkeeper may have only appeared twice for the Black Cats’ first team, but he has been identified by many as one of the top up-and-coming keepers in the game.

Pickford has represented England at every youth level, from Under-16s through to the Under-21s – and a full international cap could be on the cards for the Washington-born star if he fulfils his potential.

Pickford has been sent out on loan by Sunderland on no less than six occasions, impressing each time.

He made 17 league appearances for Darlington in 2012, before turning out for Alfreton Town and Burton Albion.

Another loan spell at Carlisle United followed in 2014, but it was at Bradford City when he first started to get noticed, with a string of impressive performances last season.

This campaign saw another loan move – this time to Championship side Preston.

And it was at Deepdale that Pickford really made a name for himself, equalling the club record for consecutive clean sheets with six successive shut-outs.

Veteran keeper Chris Kirkland, who worked alongside him at Preston, was fulsome in his praise of the youngster, saying: “Jordan comes out to take crosses and has an authority for someone still very young.

“As for his kicking, that is brilliant! I have never seen anyone kick a ball like he does.”

His form at Preston prompted new Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce to recall Pickford to the Stadium of Light in December, and he threw him straight into action when the Black Cats took on Arsenal at the Emirates in the FA Cup in January.

It was a baptism of fire, but despite Sunderland crashing out of the Cup in a 3-1 defeat, Pickford emerged from the game with credit.

With Costel Pantilimon on his way to Watford, Pickford was handed the gloves ahead of Vito Mannone for the Premier League clash at Tottenham on January 16.

And again, despite a 4-1 reversal, his Premier League debut was hailed as a success.

Allardyce has since confirmed Mannone is his No 1 at the club, but there is no doubt that Pickford’s future remains a bright one.

So many happy returns Jordan – enjoy our slideshow of some your career highlights so far.